JP2017501651A - Remote start system and method for available vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for remote control of a vehicle is provided. The system and method may include a plug and play device. The system may include a receiver, a programmable microprocessor that communicates with the receiver, and a switch that communicates with the programmable microprocessor. The switch may operate one or more systems of the vehicle. When the receiver receives an incoming call from the network, it may send a signal to a preprogrammed microprocessor. The signal may include a unique user identifier, and a pre-programmed microprocessor may read and process the unique user identifier to control one or more vehicle systems.

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and method for remote vehicle starting, and more particularly to a system and method for a plug and play device that enables rapid vehicle starting via a network connection.

  Car alarms (vehicle warning devices) and remote starters have been installed in vehicles for many years, both as original equipment and as aftermarket products. As originally envisioned, these devices had to be wired to the vehicle ignition and power systems. Installing aftermarket products often required substantial electrical connections to existing systems and the installation of various sensors and switches that were not supplied as original equipment on the vehicle. .

  In recent years, as the computerization of vehicles progresses and is driven by a microprocessor, many vehicle systems and control devices are included in an integrated electronic system provided in the vehicle. Depending on the system, power windows, seat and door locks leading to alarms, vehicle sensors (tyre pressure, water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, etc.), heating and air conditioning, and almost all vehicle systems from remote start (remote start) Includes connections. Numerous and varied connections in modern vehicles offer opportunities for new and improved control. To date, it has not been possible to have a safe and effective system for remotely controlling various vehicle functions over long distances.

  Currently available remote starter systems typically have (1) a radio frequency (RF) based transmitter or remote control unit operated by the user, and (2) the user's mobile phone sending data to the server, where the server is the vehicle Either a mobile phone-based system that communicates with. In the case of an RF system, the RF signal itself is not secure and can be easily intercepted. Furthermore, the main drawback to the RF system is that the operating distance between the remote control and the vehicle is limited. For mobile phone systems, starting a vehicle may take from 1 minute to 1 and a half minutes due to unavoidable communication via one or more servers. The security of this server is also a problem.

  There is a need for improved systems and methods for remote starting of vehicles with enhanced security over network connections.

  Embodiments of the present invention solve many of the problems of the prior art and / or eliminate many of the disadvantages and disadvantages by providing a system and method for remote starting of a vehicle.

  Embodiments of the present invention may include systems and methods for remotely starting a vehicle. The system and method may include a receiver, a programmable microprocessor that communicates with the receiver, and a switch that communicates with the programmable microprocessor. The switch may operate one or more systems of the vehicle. When the receiver receives an incoming call from the network, it may send a signal to a preprogrammed microprocessor. The signal may include a unique user identifier, and a pre-programmed microprocessor may read and process the unique user identifier to control one or more vehicle systems.

  Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be as set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Furthermore, the summary of the invention described above and the following detailed description are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the invention is intended for further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

  The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the invention. To do. The attached figure is as follows.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating an exemplary device attached to a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating an exemplary system for remotely starting a vehicle.

  Systems and methods using various means and procedures for remotely starting a vehicle via a network connection are described. The embodiments described herein relate solely to an exemplary plug and play device. Depending on the embodiment, the device may be wired to the vehicle or may be operable via software or a combination of software and hardware devices. The systems and methods described herein may be used for many different industries and purposes. In particular, the system and method may be used for any industry or purpose where a remote start of a powered device is desired. For a multi-step process or method, these steps may be performed by one or more different collections, servers, processors, etc. The embodiments described herein primarily relate to exemplary engine start / stop instructions. However, those skilled in the art will be able to control any other electronic vehicle system such as, but not limited to, door lock systems, air conditioning, engine ignition, heating, audio, video, lighting, door movement, window opening, etc. It will be easy to understand.

Depending on the embodiment, means and procedures may be used with a network device. The embodiments described herein describe a mobile phone and a mobile phone network. Activation of the vehicle via a plug and play device or other method may be performed by a unique user identifier transmitted via a network connection by one or more of the following.
-Receive a call from a mobile phone-Receive a text message, short message service (SMS), or similar message from a mobile phone-Receive a text message or similar message from a personal computer, eg, via a VoIP system Receive • Receive a call from a landline, including a predetermined fixed telephone line for home or business phone numbers, or via some landline • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or similar Receiving calls through the system • Receiving email • Receiving other data signals • By using an alternative H2D (human to device) network connection that may be developed in the future

  In other words, the device uses some means of connecting and transmitting communications via a network connection, such as, but not limited to, a GSM® network, a 3G / 4G network, etc. May be activated by

  Thus, the embodiments described herein do not require a smartphone or any particular application. Any computer device or telephone can operate, including fixed lines. Smartphones and / or applications are described herein so that they can provide an enhanced user experience with additional functionality.

  Plug and play (PnP) devices are known and there are many types of plug and play standards. The PnP function facilitates connection of peripheral devices to a computing platform (PC, server, robot, vehicle-mounted computer, etc.). A PnP device may be a specification that facilitates discovery of hardware components in the system without requiring physical device configuration or user intervention when resolving resource conflicts. PnP may use several fully automated computer interfaces, such as IEEE 1394, PCI, Mini PCI, PCI Express, Mini PCI Express, USB, PCMCIA, PC card, ExpressCard, and the like. In either case, the interface is pre-installed in the device that the necessary software is self-configured, so no device configuration by the user will be required.

  Embodiments of the invention may allow a user to remotely start a vehicle made available for this purpose via a network connection. Network connections may include, but are not limited to, cellular telephone networks, landline telephone networks, computer networks, fiber optic networks, wireless networks, and the like. For purposes of illustration only, this description describes the use of a cellular phone network and a corresponding cellular phone. A user can remotely start an available vehicle engine in a safe manner from a distance. This is (i) a pre-programmed plug and play (PnP) device, (ii) an executable program installed on the user's mobile phone, (iii) installed on the device or vehicle. Or (iv) a combination of these may be possible. Note that in some embodiments, the mobile phone may not include an executable program or application. Preferably, the remote control may be performed in less than about 30 seconds, more preferably less than about 15 seconds, more preferably less than about 10 seconds, more preferably less than about 7 seconds, and more preferably less than about 5 seconds. Good. A direct connection is established between the user device such as a mobile phone and the vehicle including the PnP module without transmitting information via the server so as to process the command from the user device and control the vehicle operation. Also good.

  Although not required, the systems and methods are computer program instructions executed by one or more computer devices that can take the form of conventional servers / desktops / laptops, mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, and the like. It is described in the general situation. A computing device typically includes one or more processors coupled to a computer program module and data storage for data. Key technologies include standard Microsoft and Linux / Unix based operating systems in many industries, databases such as SQL Server, Oracle, NOSQL, and DB2, SPSS , Cognos, SAS and other business analysis / intelligence tools, Java (registered trademark),. NET Framework (VB.NET, ASP.NET, AJAX.NET, etc.) development tools, and other electronic commerce products, computer languages, and development tools. Such program modules typically perform routines, programs, objects for execution by one or more processors to perform a particular task, utilize data, data structures, and / or implement a particular abstract data type. Computer program instructions such as components, etc. Although the system, method, and apparatus have been described in the foregoing context, the operations and operations described below may also be implemented in hardware.

  Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to a method, system, and apparatus for controlling a remote start system that uses a network connection.

  Depending on the embodiment of the present invention, the user can conveniently remotely start / stop the engine of the vehicle regardless of the user and the current position of the vehicle. This remote ignition system can be used by the user to activate the vehicle ignition system, for example via a network connection via a mobile phone, and without the user having to physically contact the ignition system with the key. The engine of the motor vehicle can be started.

  This provides a lot of benefit to the user and also allows the user to remotely start the vehicle and charge the vehicle's battery, among other things, even when the vehicle is very far from the user. Or (ii) one or more vehicle system switches, such as air conditioning or heating, from home, from the workplace, or elsewhere, to allow the driver to warm or cool the vehicle before it reaches the vehicle. Gives the ability to turn on. This allows the user to conveniently warm and cool the vehicle cabin before arriving at the vehicle, especially in locations with severe weather conditions (whether cold or tropical) It is advantageous.

  Accordingly, some uses of the present invention are most commonly used in vehicles including vehicle door lock systems, air conditioning systems, engine ignition systems, heating systems, audio systems, video systems, lighting systems, and / or door movement systems. It may include managing some of the utilized systems remotely, via user equipment.

  Thus, the present invention can provide for remotely starting an available vehicle engine via a user device in a safe manner and regardless of the distance between the user and the vehicle itself.

  The present invention may relate to a method, system, and apparatus for controlling a remote start system via a network connection. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a mobile phone incorporating an executable program that allows the user to remotely start / stop the engine of the vehicle regardless of the current location of the user and the vehicle. May be. In some embodiments, no application is required and vehicle operation may be controlled by other inputs from the user device. The present invention may also relate to a method, system, and apparatus for a user device that interacts with and controls a computer mounted on a vehicle.

  A mobile phone or mobile phone (mobile phone or cellular phone) is a long-distance electronic type used for mobile or cellular communication (mobile phone communication, text message and data communication) by a cellular network between specialized base stations (cell sites). It is a handset device. Mobile phones are not cordless phones. This is because the latter only provides telephone service via a fixed line within a narrow range.

  Depending on the embodiment, the required mobile phone may be a mobile smart phone, which provides the same advanced functionality as a personal computer and allows developers to create applications that run on the smart phone operating system. Is a mobile phone that runs an operating system software package. The application may be an executable computer program installed on the smartphone.

  As noted above, this remote starter allows the user to remotely start / start an available vehicle engine via the user's cell phone without requiring the user to physically contact the ignition system with the key. It may be possible to stop. The vehicle may be made available for this purpose by installing a pre-programmed “plug and play” device in the vehicle.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention of a remote starter for an available vehicle may include a receiver 1 such as a mobile phone receiver and a microprocessor 2. Even if the mobile phone receiver 1 is connected to the microprocessor 2 so that when the mobile phone receiver 1 receives an incoming call such as a telephone call from a user, it can send a signal 1 ′ to the microprocessor 2. Good.

  Such a signal 1 'may include information relating to user identification, such as a unique user identifier. The unique user identifier may be, for example, a telephone number that is calling the mobile phone receiver 1, an IP address of a user computer, or the like. The microprocessor 2 may be preprogrammed to recognize one or more specific telephone numbers (one or more mobile numbers of the user). For the present invention to act on a given vehicle 4, such a vehicle would have to be made available for this purpose beforehand and the switch 3 would have to be installed in the vehicle beforehand.

  The switch 3 may perform the same task as the ignition key and engine ignition. That is, it may activate the ignition system 5 to start the vehicle 4, including turning on the vehicle engine 4 ′. The switch 3 may be a physical switch or an electronic switch. The engine 4 'may include a starter motor and a spark plug for the vehicle 4 having a gasoline engine 4'.

  The microprocessor 2 may be connected to the switch 3. The microprocessor 2 may read a signal 1 ′ coming from the mobile phone receiver 1, which includes the telephone number from which the mobile phone receiver 1 receives a call.

  Therefore, if the microprocessor 2 receives the signal 1 ′ from the mobile phone receiver 1 and reads the telephone number transmitted by the signal, if the telephone number is the same as previously recorded in the microprocessor 2, A command to turn on the switch 3 is given so that the power from the battery of the vehicle 4 reaches the vehicle ignition system 5 and the engine 4 ′ (starting motor and spark plug if the vehicle 4 has a gasoline engine). Therefore, the engine 4 'of the vehicle 4 can be started.

  If the vehicle 4 starts, it will stay in the neutral position.

  In order to implement the aforementioned device invention in the vehicle 4, the vehicle may need to be made available for this purpose beforehand, which sends electricity to the ignition system 5 of the vehicle engine 4 '. Including a switch 3 that makes it possible. It is also possible to change the speed of the vehicle's transmission so that the vehicle's transmission can function only when the vehicle's ignition key is inserted into the vehicle's ignition lock cylinder or, depending on the vehicle, only when the key is in the passenger compartment. It may be necessary to make the machine particularly available.

  In order for the transmission to function and allow the user to drive the vehicle 4, an ignition key must preferably be inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, or the key must be in the vehicle cabin. In either case, the ignition key may send a signal to a vehicle-mounted computer that unlocks the transmission and allows the user to drive using the vehicle normally.

  The described invention shows related configurations and components that perform the functions detailed above. To perform those tasks, the same tasks may be performed using the components and components described above or any other suitable.

  The cellular phone receiver 1, the microprocessor 2, and the switch 3 may be pre-programmed in a plug and play (PnP) module that is attached and connected to the onboard computer. The software should be installed so that the PnP module automatically configures itself in the vehicle so that the user does not have to do any device configuration or intervention in resolving resource or device conflicts. You may incorporate beforehand in a PnP module.

The PnP module may establish a two-way communication channel directly between the user equipment and the vehicle. The user may send the signal directly to the PnP module pre-programmed and installed in the vehicle, either by phone call, text message, or data signal, via the user device. Thus, unlike other remote start systems, the present invention does not require:
Any radio frequency (RF) transmitter or remote control unit that, when activated by a user, communicates a remote start command to the vehicle control module via an RF receiver located in the vehicle. However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present invention may be compatible with RF transmitters or remote control units that are programmed using an onboard computer.
Any computer server where the user has to send some data, so that the server processes the data and sends a signal to the vehicle.

  Further, the communication (interface) between the PnP module and the user device can incorporate additional security measures such as a telephone, passwords that can reside on one or both of the PnP devices, encryption, and the like. As with the embodiments described herein, this pre-programmed PnP module can remotely start a vehicle, such as a user turning on a vehicle air conditioning or heating switch remotely and via a user device. In addition, the function of controlling one or more vehicle systems may be managed. Depending on the software pre-installed in the PnP module, the system allows the user to remotely and via a user device such as a mobile phone or a smart phone, possibly a vehicle door lock system, audio system, video system. It may be possible to manage one or more of the most commonly used systems in the vehicle, including at least one of lighting systems, window systems, atmosphere controls, door movement systems. In addition, one or more vehicle systems may be controlled by a user via a user device. For example, control may include setting specific temperature levels, fan strength, etc., as well as turning the vehicle cooling system on and off. Control may be implemented by selecting by application, pressing numbers on the keypad, embedding information in the data signal, and the like. In some embodiments, the predetermined command may be programmed for standard communication. For example, when a call from a predetermined telephone number is received, the vehicle may perform a predetermined set of operations such as turning on a car, setting a temperature, activating a light on the vehicle, and the like. The predetermined set of operations may be set in advance by the user via an application or other interactive system such as a website or a telephone call system.

  Various payment methods may be utilized in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a one-time cost is charged when purchasing a PnP device. In another embodiment, you may be charged for a subscription over a predetermined period, for example, monthly or yearly. The regular purchase may be unlimited in use or the number of uses may be determined. In another embodiment, a PnP device may be provided free of charge, but a fee may be charged for downloading an application that works with the PnP device, or a subscription fee may be charged as described above. May be. Depending on the embodiment, the usage fee of the PnP device may be free for the user from the viewpoint of telephone usage. In other words, the PnP device may be activated only by a ringing tone when a call is received. Thus, the PnP device may not “take a call” if the number is recognized, and the PnP device will perform the requested action without being charged by the network operator. Various combinations of one or more of these fee systems may be used.

  Since the description herein is merely illustrative of a method and system for remotely starting a vehicle engine via a network connection, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in different forms. Thus, embodiments of the invention can be achieved by using the most appropriate means, components, and other equipment, whereby such components are replaced by others that would be equivalent. Also good.

  While the foregoing description has been directed to preferred embodiments of the invention, other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Please note that. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in connection with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

1 receiver 1 'signal 2 microprocessor 3 switch 4 vehicle 4' engine 5 ignition system

While the foregoing description has been directed to preferred embodiments of the invention, other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Please note that. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in connection with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.
1. The vehicle remote control system according to the first aspect includes:
A system for remotely controlling a vehicle,
A receiver,
A programmable microprocessor for communicating with the receiver;
A switch communicating with the programmable microprocessor;
The switch operates one or more systems of the vehicle;
When the receiver receives an incoming call from the network, it sends a signal to the preprogrammed microprocessor, the signal comprising a unique user identifier, and the preprogrammed microprocessor reads and processes the unique user identifier To control one or more vehicle systems.
2. In the vehicle remote control system according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the receiver is a mobile phone receiver.
3. In the vehicle remote control system according to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the network is a mobile phone network.
4). In the vehicle remote control system according to a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the network is a fixed telephone network.
5. In the vehicle remote control system according to a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the network is a wireless data network.
6). In a vehicle remote control system according to a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the incoming call source is the unique user identifier.
7). In the vehicle remote control system according to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the unique user identifier is a telephone number corresponding to the unique user identifier.
8). The vehicle remote control system according to an eighth aspect is the plug and play (PnP) module connected to the vehicle in the first aspect.
9. A vehicle remote control system according to a ninth aspect is the vehicle remote control system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the PnP module enables a method of direct interaction between the user device and the vehicle. Establish a direct two-way communication channel.
10. In a ninth aspect of the vehicle remote control system according to the tenth aspect, the direct two-way communication channel allows the user to the vehicle to allow the user to perform one or more system functions. Allows sending requests.
11. In the vehicle remote control system according to an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the one or more system functions are to remotely start the vehicle.
12 The vehicle remote control system according to a twelfth aspect is the above tenth aspect, wherein the one or more system functions include a door lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, a video system, a lighting system, a door movement system, Selected from the group consisting of window systems and combinations thereof;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 10.
13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of the thirteenth aspect comprises:
A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for remotely controlling a vehicle comprising:
Receiving a signal from a user equipment over a network connection at a receiver, the signal comprising information relating to a unique user identification;
Communicating the signal from the receiver to a programmable microprocessor;
Reading and processing the information from the signal in the programmable microprocessor;
Commands are sent to the switch, which controls one or more systems of the vehicle.
14 In a fourteenth aspect, the non-transitory computer readable medium according to the fourteenth aspect is the plug and play (PnP) module connected to the vehicle.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a fifteenth aspect is the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the PnP module enables a method of direct interaction between the user apparatus and the vehicle. Establish a direct two-way communication channel between
16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a sixteenth aspect is the fifteenth aspect, wherein the direct two-way communication channel allows the user to perform one or more system functions on the vehicle. Allows sending requests to allow.
17. A non-transitory computer readable medium according to a seventeenth aspect is the sixteenth aspect, in which the one or more system functions are to remotely start the vehicle.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to an eighteenth aspect is the above-described sixteenth aspect, wherein the one or more system functions include a door lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, a video system, a lighting system, and a door movement. Selected from the group consisting of systems, window systems, and combinations thereof;
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a nineteenth aspect is the above-described thirteenth aspect, wherein the time between transmitting a signal from the user device and transmitting a command to the switch is less than about 15 seconds. is there,
20. A non-transitory computer readable medium according to a twentieth aspect is the above-described thirteenth aspect, in which the receiver is a mobile phone receiver.
21. In a non-transitory computer readable medium according to a twenty-first aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the network is a mobile phone network.
22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a twenty-second aspect is the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the incoming call source is a unique user identifier, and the unique user identifier is a telephone number corresponding to the unique user identifier.

Claims (22)

A system for remotely controlling a vehicle,
A receiver,
A programmable microprocessor for communicating with the receiver;
A switch communicating with the programmable microprocessor;
The switch operates one or more systems of the vehicle;
When the receiver receives an incoming call from the network, it sends a signal to the preprogrammed microprocessor, the signal comprising a unique user identifier, and the preprogrammed microprocessor reads and processes the unique user identifier Control one or more vehicle systems,
Vehicle remote control system. The receiver is a mobile phone receiver;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The network is a mobile phone network;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The network is a landline telephone network;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The network is a wireless data network;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The source of the incoming call is the unique user identifier;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The unique user identifier is a telephone number corresponding to the unique user identifier;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 6. The system is a plug and play (PnP) module connected to the vehicle,
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 1. The PnP module establishes a direct two-way communication channel between the user device and the vehicle, enabling a method of direct interaction between the user device and the vehicle;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 8. The direct two-way communication channel allows the user to send a request to the vehicle to allow the user to perform one or more system functions.
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 9. The one or more system functions are to remotely start the vehicle;
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 10. The one or more system functions are selected from the group consisting of door lock systems, air conditioning systems, heating systems, audio systems, video systems, lighting systems, door movement systems, window systems, and combinations thereof.
The vehicle remote control system according to claim 10. A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for remotely controlling a vehicle comprising:
Receiving a signal from a user equipment over a network connection at a receiver, the signal comprising information relating to a unique user identification;
Communicating the signal from the receiver to a programmable microprocessor;
Reading and processing the information from the signal in the programmable microprocessor;
Sending instructions to the switch, the switch controlling one or more systems of the vehicle;
Non-transitory computer readable medium. The programmable microprocessor is in a plug and play (PnP) module connected to the vehicle.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13. The PnP module establishes a direct two-way communication channel between the user device and the vehicle, enabling a method of direct interaction between the user device and the vehicle;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14. The direct two-way communication channel allows the user to send a request to the vehicle to allow the user to perform one or more system functions.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15. The one or more system functions are to remotely start the vehicle;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16. The one or more system functions are selected from the group consisting of door lock systems, air conditioning systems, heating systems, audio systems, video systems, lighting systems, door movement systems, window systems, and combinations thereof.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16. The time between sending a signal from the user equipment and sending a command to the switch is less than about 15 seconds;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13. The receiver is a mobile phone receiver;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13. The network is a mobile phone network;
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13. The source of the incoming call is a unique user identifier, and the unique user identifier is a telephone number corresponding to the unique user identifier.
The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13.

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